Outdoor pedestal closure assembly with flood protection

ABSTRACT

An improved outdoor telecommunication pedestal having a dome and a two part base. The base includes inner and outer horizontal and vertical ribs to greatly enhance in-ground stability. The dome also includes vertical ribs to engage slots in the base to give good security. Security is further enhanced by a spring loaded lock mechanism that requires only a quarter turn to unlock. A cam follower wall is provided on a slider of the lock to allow a snap attachment of the dome and the base once full engagement is reached.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/712,612filed Nov. 11, 2003, the entire disclosure of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an improved pedestal closure assemblyand more particularly, to a pedestal closure assembly that is easy andquick to install, easy to open and close and very stable in the groundinto which the assembly is placed.

2. Description of the Related Art

Telecommunications, cable television, power distribution equipment andthe like include primary cable loops, terminal blocks, wires andconnectors. These elements are commonly located out of plant and subjectto ambient weather conditions. Since the necessary equipment is locatedoutside, a protective covering is required to safeguard the equipmentfrom human interference as well as from the environment. Therefore, suchprotective covering must provide structural as well as environmentalprotection.

One such protective covering is in the form of a pedestal closureassembly. The pedestal structure includes a housing with a sufficientvolume but occupying a small area and placeable in a convenient workingorientation. Inside the housing cable pairs may be connected to eachother and such connections are made at connector blocks which aremounted to a mounting plate inside the pedestal structure. The connectorblocks include a number of terminals where the pairs of wires and thecable are stripped of their insulation and connected.

A base portion of the pedestal closure assembly is substantially buriedin the ground but includes a passageway to permit underground cables tobe received into the interior of the pedestal. The cables extend throughthe base section and are covered by a top or dome which is mounted onthe base and attached to it. The pedestal closure assembly, whenassembled and installed, should have sufficient structural strength toresist minor impacts as well as to resist environmental conditions suchas wind, rain and blowing contaminants.

Examples of such pedestals may be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,384,427;5,412,960; 6,182,846; 6,198,041; 6,244,635 and 6,598,949, all of whichare owned by the assignee of the present application. The disclosures ofthe above mentioned patents are included herein by reference.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Improvements in the above mentioned pedestals are always desirable. Whatis described here is a pedestal closure assembly comprising asubstantially monolithic upper dome and a two-sectioned base forattaching to the dome. Each section of the base includes inner and outerribs for stabilizing the pedestal in the ground.

There are a number of advantages, features and objects achieved with thepresent invention which are believed not to be available in earlierrelated devices. The pedestal disclosed here is easy and quick toinstall in the ground and once installed, has good stability. Thepedestal does not pull out easily nor easily tilt away from a verticalposition. The pedestal also is easy to open and close to facilitateservice. There is only one lock mechanism to open (referred to as “onepoint of entry”) where a technician need only twist a lock one quarterturn or about 90 degrees with a lock opening tool to gain entry.Nevertheless, the pedestal disclosed here provides good closure securityand is strong, relatively inexpensive and very reliable. A furtheradvantage is that the lock/dome combination may be moved past wires andcables without snagging.

A more complete understanding of the present invention and otherobjects, advantages and features thereof will be gained from aconsideration of the following description of preferred embodiments readin conjunction with the accompanying drawing provided herein. Thepreferred embodiments disclosed represent examples of the inventionwhich are described here in compliance with Title 35 U.S.C. section 112(first paragraph), but the invention itself is defined by the attachedclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a pedestal closure assembly embodimentdisclosed herein having a dome and a short base.

FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of the pedestal closure assemblyhaving a spade base and also illustrating an internally attachedmounting plate.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the pedestal closure assembly shownin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the pedestal closure assembly shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the pedestal closure assembly shownin FIGS. 2-4.

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the base portion of the pedestal closureassembly shown in FIGS. 2-5 and of the attached mounting plate.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged front isometric view of the dome part of thepedestal closure assembly shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 8 is a rear isometric view of the dome shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a rear upside down isometric view of the dome shown in FIGS. 7and 8.

FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of the dome shown in FIGS. 7-9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional elevation view of the dome taken along line 11-11of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view taken within the circle 12-12 of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 is a front isometric view of a front section of the base of thepedestal closure assembly.

FIG. 14 is a rear isometric view of the front section of the base shownin FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an upside down rear isometric view of the front section ofthe base shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.

FIG. 16 is a rear elevation view of the front section of the base shownin FIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the front section of the base shown inFIGS. 13-15.

FIG. 19 is a section view taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 16.

FIG. 20 is a front isometric view of the rear section of the base.

FIG. 21 is a rear isometric view of the rear section of the base shownin FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an upside down rear isometric view of the rear section of thebase shown in FIGS. 20 and 21.

FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of the rear section of the base shownin FIGS. 20-22.

FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the rear section of the base shown inFIGS. 20-23.

FIG. 25 is a sectional plan view taken along line 25-25 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 26 is a sectional plan view taken along line 26-26 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a side elevation view of the short version of the rearsection of the base.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged front isometric view of a slide lock.

FIG. 30 is a rear isometric view of the slide lock assembly shown inFIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a front elevation view of the slide lock assembly shown inFIGS. 29 and 30.

FIG. 32 is a sectional plan view taken along line 32-32 of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is a sectional elevation view taken along line 33-33 of FIG. 31.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

While the present invention is open to various modifications andalternative constructions, the preferred embodiments shown in thevarious figures of the drawing will be described herein in detail. It isunderstood, however, that there is no intention to limit the inventionto the particular embodiments, forms or examples which are disclosedhere. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,equivalent structures and methods, and alternative constructions fallingwithin the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in theappended claims, pursuant to Title 35 U.S.C. section 112 (secondparagraph).

Referring now to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a pedestal closureassembly 10 showing an embodiment with a cover or dome part 12 and abase part 14. In the FIG. 1 embodiment, the base is a short version. InFIGS. 2-5, a second embodiment of the base part 18 is illustrated wherethe dome 12 is identical to the dome shown in FIG. 1 but the base part20 has an extension or spade 22 integrally molded with the remainder ofthe base and extending downwardly.

Attached to the base for mounting in the interior of the pedestalassembly is a mounting plate 24. The mounting plate allows wires from anunderground cable to be attached to connectors which are supported bythe mounting plate. Underground cables are received by the pedestalclosure assembly from below the pedestal. In normal usage, the pedestalis anchored in the ground to approximately the level shown by front andrear “ground lines” 26, 28.

More detail of similar pedestals and their operation may be acquired byreference to the four above mentioned patents.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-9, the dome 12 includes a front wall 30, leftand right side walls 32, 34, a rear wall 36 and a top wall 38. The domeincludes interior surfaces, such as the surface 40, FIG. 9, and aninternal chamber 42 formed by the front, rear, side and top walls. Atthe lower end portion 43 of the front wall is a bulge 44 to accommodatea lock mechanism as will be described below in relation to FIGS. 29-36.The bottom 46 of the dome is open and it is intended that the dome bereceived in a telescoping fashion by the base.

At the bulge 44 three openings 50, 52, 54 are formed in verticalalignment, two small openings 50, 54 for rivets to attach the lock tothe dome, and a central opening 52 for insertion of a lock tool torotate the lock mechanism through 90 degrees to “unlock” the dome fromthe base and allow removal of the dome for service of the equipmentwithin the pedestal or for replacement of the dome should it be damaged.

It is to be noted that above the three openings, the dome is a singlemolded piece. This is important to operation in the field. It isdesirable that the dome perform as a “bell jar” in flood situations. Bybell jar, it is meant that water rising from beneath the dome will causean increasing air pressure in the upper portion of the dome above thewater level. This has the effect of suppressing the rising water to keepthe water away from the electrical wires and connectors inside thepedestal.

The dome is formed of a suitable synthetic resin, such as high densitypolyethylene, and has a normal wall thickness of 0.180 inches generallyand about 0.200 inches at the bulge.

Referring now to FIGS. 10-12, the dome has two oppositely disposedvertically extending ribs 60, 62 projecting outwardly from the innersurfaces of the dome into the chamber formed by the dome. The verticalribs start about one inch from the bottom 46 of the dome. As will beexplained, these ribs engage with corresponding slots formed in the basethereby securing the rear of the dome to the base while the lock securesthe front of the dome to the base.

The dome includes a front interior surface 66, a left side interiorsurface 40, a right side interior surface 68 and a rear interior surface70. The lock bulge 44 is formed in the front wall and the lock willattach to the front interior surface 66. The lock mechanism has athickness generally matching the extent of the bulge so that the lockmechanism does not extend in any substantial way into the internalchamber formed by the dome. This facilitates moving the dome past themounting plate 24 when wires and connectors are attached to the mountingplate and not causing a “catch” or snag. The lock ribs 60, 62 are formedalong the left and right side interior surfaces 40, 68 near the rearinterior surface 70. The ribs provide for an engagement between the domeand the base at the rear of the assembly to complement an abutmentbetween the lock mechanism and the base at the front of the assembly.This ensures good security. The vertical ribs and slots also provide analignment feature when placing the dome over the base and the ribs actto strengthen the dome and make it more robust.

Integrally formed with the dome is a small tab 72 which is used to keythe location of the lock mechanism and facilitate assembly of the lockmechanism and the dome.

It is now apparent that above the three aligned openings 50, 52, 54 formounting the lock mechanism, there are no further openings in the domeat an elevation above the three openings, thereby allowing the “belljar” effect to be accomplished. Also, as is now apparent, the dome isstrong and relatively inexpensive since the dome is molded as one piece,and the dome and lock mechanism will provide good security.

Each base 14, 20 is known as a split base and includes a front or coversection and a rear section. Referring now to FIGS. 13-15, the base coversection 80 is illustrated and is the same for both the FIG. 1 and theFIG. 2 embodiments. The cover section includes an upper portion 82 ofsmaller dimensions to receive the dome in a telescoping fashion and alower portion 84 of larger dimensions, most of which portion is to beplaced below ground level in use. The upper portion includes a frontwall 85, a locking rib 86 in the configuration of an “E” extending fromthe front wall and an alignment flange 88, also extending from the frontwall. The alignment flange ensures alignment of the lock body when thedome and base are being secured. The E rib provides with the lock aninterference fit as will be explained below.

The lower portion 84 of the base cover section includes a front wall 90,a left side wall 92 and a right side wall 94. Integral with an outersurface 96 of the front and side walls are three horizontally disposedribs, an upper rib 98, a middle rib 100 and a lower rib 102. The ribsextend generally in a continuous fashion around the cover section of thebase. Four vertical ribs 106,108,110,112 are integral with thehorizontal ribs and the first vertical rib 106 extends from the rightside wall, the second vertical rib 108 extends from the left side wall92 and two vertical ribs 110, 112 extend from the front wall 90.

Integral with the inner surfaces 116,118 of the side walls are twohorizontally disposed ribs 120,122 that are located elevationally aboutthe same level as the outer upper rib 98 and the middle rib 100. Alsomolded integrally with the base cover section are two curved walls124,126 which form with the inner surface of the front wall an internalwire channel. The channel allows underground wires or cables to beinserted through a front opening 130 and extended within the channelupwardly in the pedestal assembly. The wall thickness of the base is anominal 0.180 inches and the material is high density polyethylene.

The wire channel is shown in FIGS. 16-19 as are the inner and outerhorizontal ribs. The base cover section also includes vertical flanges132, 134, FIG. 14, that extend away from the side walls so as to engagewith the rear section of the base. Openings 136,138 are provided as arefasteners 140,142.

Referring now to FIGS. 20-22, the rear base section 144 of the base 20,including the spade or scoop 22 shown in FIGS. 2-5, is illustrated ingreater detail. The rear base section includes an upper portion 150having a left side wall 152, a right side wall 154 and a rear wall 156.Each side wall includes a slot 158,160 for receiving the pair ofinternal, vertically extending ribs 60, 62, FIGS. 10 and 1 1, of thedome. The upper portion also includes a pair of channel structures162,164 for attaching the mounting plate 24, FIG. 2.

A lower portion 168 of the rear base section 144 includes a left wall170, a right wall 172 and a rear wall 174. Integral with outer surfaces176,178,180 of the side and rear walls are a set of three horizontallyspaced ribs 182,184,186 and four vertically spaced ribs 190,192,194,196. Integrally formed with the walls but extending frominterior surfaces 200, 202, 204 are three spaced horizontal ribs 206,208, 210 and two attached vertical ribs 212, 214, FIG. 23. Asillustrated, the horizontal and vertical ribs extending from the outersurfaces of the walls of the rear base section are formed into box-likestructures to enhance strength and resistance to ground extraction. Thethree outer horizontal ribs include the upper rib 182, the middle rib184 and the lower rib 186. The same is true for the three interior ribs,the upper rib 206, the middle rib 208 and the lower rib 210.

The inner and outer ribs are also shown in FIGS. 23-27 along with ahorizontal step 220 and three supporting vertical flanges 222, 224, 226extending from the rear surface 178 of the downwardly projecting spadeportion of the rear base section.

The side walls 170, 172 also include two pairs of slots 230, 232 and234, 236, FIG. 20, for receiving connectors that are used on the coverbase section or added after the cover and rear base sections are broughttogether.

Referring now to FIG. 28, the short variation 240 of the base section isillustrated along with one slot 242 of a pair of slots in the upperportion 244 for receiving the vertical ribs 60, 62, FIG. 11, of thedome. The short version of the base also includes the same geometricpattern of outer, horizontal and vertical ribs 250, 252, 254 and 256,258. Although not shown, the short version also includes three innerhorizontal ribs and two vertical ribs, as shown and described inrelation to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 20-27.

Referring now to FIGS. 29-36, there is illustrated a preferredembodiment of a lock mechanism 270. As is explained in more detail inco-pending application Ser. No. 10/712,226 filed on Nov. 13, 2003 andowned by the assignee of the present invention, the lock includes a base272, a cover 274, a slider 276, a rotator 278 and two compressionsprings 277, 279.

The base 272 includes an outside surface having two slanted end panels290, 292, two slanted sides 294, 296 and a grill-like top 298. The endpanels are slanted at about 40-45 degrees from a horizontal referenceand the sides are slanted at about 30-35 degrees from a horizontalreference and all intersections are rounded as shown. The base alsoincludes a rear wall 300 and a slider channel formed by the rear wall,two spaced apart lateral walls 302, 304 and a base side wall 306. Thebase also includes two spring guides 307, 308, four snap openings 310,312, 314, 316 and two rivet receiving openings 318, 320. A hole 322 isformed in the base wall 306 for the rotator. The base further includes akey groove 324, a pair of drain ports 326, 328 in the lateral wall 302and another pair of drain ports 330, 332 in the bottom end 334 of thebase.

The cover includes a key groove 340 along its upper edge. The keygrooves 324, 340 of the base and the cover mate with the key tab 72,FIG. 11, formed in the dome. This allows the lock to be correctly andquickly aligned in and assembled with the dome. Two aligned openings342, 344 are formed in the cover and these align themselves with theopening 318, 320 in the lock base and the two small openings 50, 54,FIG. 7, in the dome 12. The aligned openings allow rivets to be attachedto the dome and to the lock so as to fasten the lock to the dome. Thecover also includes a large central opening 345, a surrounding securityring 346 to prevent tampering and four snap arms 347, 348, 349, 350.

The rotator 278 has a hex shaped head 351 as shown in FIG. 29. The hexhead extends through the central opening 345 in the cover. The securityring around the head formed integral with the cover prevents a typicalhousehold tool, such as pliers, or a wrench from effectively engagingthe hex head. This arrangement makes the hex head accessible only to aspecially constructed opening tool. The rotator 278 also includes acylindrical body 352 and a cam arm 354.

The slider 276 includes outer slide walls 360, 362, an end wall 364 andan outer cam follower wall 366. The slider also has a base wall 368 witha slot opening 370 to receive the rotator, an inner cam follower wall372 and two limit tabs 374, 376. When the hex head of the rotator isrotated a quarter turn or about ninety degrees, the cam arm 354 bearsagainst the inner cam follower wall 372 of the slider and therebyretracts the slider to the left, when viewed as in FIG. 36, from itsextended position shown in FIG. 35. Moving the slider to the leftcompresses the two springs and creates a sufficient rightward biasingforce to return the slider to its extended position when the openingtool is removed. In a similar fashion, when the dome and lock arebrought together with the pedestal base, the E rib 86, FIG. 13, acts asa cam to bear against the outer cam follower wall 366 of the slidercausing it to retract until the slider passes the E-rib. Once passed,the springs bias the slider to its extended position to cause aninterference fit between the E-rib and the slider wall 360.

It is noted that the slanted outer surfaces 290, 292, 293, 296 of thelock mechanism which extend into the interior of the pedestal closureassembly do not snag wires situated there as the dome is moved relativeto the pedestal base during dome removal or installation. This isbecause there are no sharp corners and because the lock mechanism islocated in the bulge of the dome.

The purpose of the outer and inner ribs on the pedestal base is toprovide greater stability to the pedestal closure assembly when it isinstalled in the ground. Customers of such pedestals prefer to excavateshallow pits in which pedestal assemblies are then installed. Forexample, the short or shallow pedestal embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may besituated in a hole dug to a depth of only about ten inches. The pedestalis then positioned and earth or sand or other ground medium is used tocompact around the base both outside and inside. It has been found thata spacing of about three and one half inches between horizontal ribsgives good results against easy pullout from the ground. The width ofeach rib is approximately one inch. The spacing of the inner ribs isanalogous to that of the outer ribs and the inner ribs are a little lessthan an inch in width.

When the spade version of the pedestal is used, ground stability isimproved but the spade is not essential to the proper functioning of thepedestal. Also, openings, 380, 382, FIG. 1, are provided to attach ametal stake which may be used to enhance ground stability of a shortbase pedestal. Once again, however, there is no requirement that a stakebe used.

The internal vertical ribs of the dome and the slots in the pedestalbase provide for an inner lock along the rear of the pedestal. Incombination with the lock mechanism at the front of the pedestal, astrong, secure arrangement is provided for attachment of the dome to thepedestal base.

While a strong all around attachment is made, a technician need only usea special tool with the lock mechanism and rotate the tool ninetydegrees to cause the lock to disengage and allow the removal of the domefrom the pedestal base. Thus, a technician need only go to a singlepoint to allow disengagement of the dome. Furthermore, the technicianneed only use a single tool and a simple ninety degree twist for theunlocking step. To reassemble the dome with the pedestal base, atechnician merely aligns the ribs of the dome and the slots of the baseand pushes downwardly. The slider of the lock will be retracted by thecamming action of the E rib and will automatically snap into a lockingposition once the E rib has been passed.

In operation the pedestal is installed over an underground cable and istypically buried in the ground to about ten inches not including a spikeor the spade version of the pedestal. Because of the outer and innerribs around the pedestal base, a relatively shallow hole or pit need bedug. This is a time and labor saving advantage for the pedestal of thepresent application. Once the pedestal is placed in the ground, soil,sand or the like is compacted around the pedestal to ensure that thepedestal remains upright. Because of the ribs, great stability in theground is achieved.

After installation in the ground, the pedestal may be easily opened forservice. To gain access to the cables, wires, connectors and the likethat are housed within the pedestal, a technician need only place a toolon the hex head rotator of the slide lock and twist the hex head aquarter turn. This retracts the slider of the lock away from abuttingengagement with the E rib on the pedestal base so that the dome may beraised upwardly and away from the base. After completion of service, thedome may be replaced on the pedestal base simply by aligning thevertical ribs of the dome with the slots in the base and pushingdownwardly so that the E rib cams the slider of the lock to a retractedposition. When the E rib has been passed by the lock, the sliderautomatically extends so as to create an interference abutment therebylocking the dome to the base.

The above specification describes in detail two preferred embodiments ofthe present invention. Other examples, embodiments, modifications andvariations will, under both the literal claim language and the doctrineof equivalents, come within the scope of the invention defined by theappended claims. For example, slightly different shapes for the dome andpedestal base or the lock and E rib are still considered equivalentstructures and will also come within the literal language of the claims.Still other alternatives will also be equivalent as will many newtechnologies. There is no desire or intention here to limit in any waythe application of the doctrine of equivalents nor to limit or restrictthe scope of the invention.

1-29. (canceled)
 30. An outdoor pedestal closure assembly with floodprotection, the assembly comprising: a dome having an upper portion anda lower portion, the dome configured to provide a bell jar effect withinsaid upper portion when water rises above said lower portion; a base forsupporting the dome, the dome configured for concealing and protectingcables or equipment when the cables or equipment are positioned in theupper portion of the dome with the dome secured to the base; and a lockpositioned on the lower portion of the dome for securing the dome to thebase; wherein the dome is configured for removal from the base forservicing said cables or equipment by unlocking the lock and separatingthe dome from the base; and wherein the lock is configured toautomatically lock the dome to the base when the dome is replaced on thebase.
 31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the lock is configured to beunlocked via a single tool.
 32. The assembly of claim 30 wherein saidlock is the only lock for securing the dome to the base.
 33. Theassembly of claim 30 wherein said lock represents the only point ofentry for the pedestal assembly.
 34. The assembly of claim 33 whereinthe dome is configured for removal from the base solely by unlocking thelock via the single tool and separating the dome from the base.
 35. Theassembly of claim 30 wherein at least the upper portion of the dome hasa substantially monolithic construction.
 36. The assembly of claim 35wherein the dome includes a plurality of openings on the lower portion,and wherein the dome is a single molded piece at least above saidopenings.
 37. The assembly of claim 30 further comprising a mountingplate attached to the base for supporting said cables or equipment,wherein the upper portion of the dome conceals and protects the mountingplate when the dome is secured to the base.
 38. The assembly of claim 30wherein the base includes at least two separable sections.
 39. Theassembly of claim 30 wherein the base includes a plurality of ribs forresisting ground extraction after the pedestal assembly is installed inthe ground.
 40. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the dome includes atleast one rib, the base includes at least one slot, and the rib on thedome is configured to engage the slot on the base.
 41. The assembly ofclaim 30 wherein the lower portion of the dome includes a bulge, andwherein the lock is positioned in the bulge of said lower portion. 42.The assembly of claim 41 wherein the lock has a thickness generallymatching the bulge.
 43. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the lock isconfigured to be unlocked by rotating a portion of the lockapproximately a quarter turn.